Bray Travel Guide

Free Guide: Discover Bray, County Wicklow: Seaside charm, Victorian history, and stunning scenery await just south of Dublin.

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A brief summary of Bray

Discover Bray, County Wicklow: Seaside charm, Victorian history, and stunning scenery await just south of Dublin.

Bray, Co. Wicklow, is a vibrant seaside town just south of Dublin, known as the 'Gateway to the Garden of Ireland'. With a rich history as a Victorian resort, Bray offers a blend of natural beauty, including a mile-long beach and the iconic Bray Head, alongside a lively promenade and various attractions. Easily accessible from Dublin, Bray is a perfect destination for a day trip or a longer getaway.

Address: Co. Wicklow
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Getting there

Public Transport

From Dublin City Centre, the DART (Dublin Area Rapid Transit) train provides a direct and scenic route to Bray. The journey takes approximately 40 minutes, with trains departing frequently from various stations in Dublin. A single adult fare is around €3-4. Alternatively, Dublin Bus operates several routes to Bray, with fares also in the €3-4 range. From other locations in County Wicklow, Bus Éireann and Finnegan's Bray offer bus services to Bray. Check local schedules for specific routes and fares.

Walking

Once in Bray, many attractions are easily accessible on foot. From Bray DART station, the promenade and beach are a short walk away. To reach Bray Head, follow the well-marked Cliff Walk from the southern end of the promenade. The walk to the top of Bray Head takes approximately 1-2 hours, offering stunning coastal views. Note that the Bray to Greystones Cliff Walk is currently closed due to landslides.

Taxi

Taxis are readily available in Bray, particularly near the DART station and along the promenade. A short taxi ride within Bray town typically costs between €8-€12. Ride-sharing services like Uber may also operate in the area.

Driving

Bray is accessible via the M11 motorway. From Dublin, follow the M11 south. There is a restricted/pay parking system in operation in Bray town centre with one, two, and ten-hour parking zones. Parking Tag and Payzone offer cashless parking options. Q-Park Bray and Royal Hotel Bray Car Park are also available. Parking rates typically range from €2.80 for up to 2 hours to €12.00 for up to 24 hours.

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Overview

Bray, nestled on the coast of County Wicklow, is a captivating blend of seaside charm and historical significance. Known as the 'Gateway to the Garden of Ireland,' Bray has been a popular resort town since the Victorian era, drawing visitors with its scenic coastline and proximity to Dublin.The town's mile-long beach and esplanade offer stunning views, dominated by Bray Head, a prominent hill offering panoramic vistas of the surrounding landscape. The energetic promenade is lined with cafes, restaurants, and amusement arcades, providing entertainment for all ages.Bray's history dates back to Norman times, with evidence of even earlier settlements. In the 19th century, the arrival of the railway transformed Bray into a bustling seaside resort, modeled after Brighton in England. Today, Bray retains its Victorian character while offering modern attractions such as the National Sea Life Centre, Mermaid Arts Centre, and a variety of outdoor activities.Visitors can explore Killruddery House and Gardens, a magnificent 17th-century estate, or hike the Bray Head Cliff Walk for breathtaking coastal scenery. The town also hosts several annual events, including the Bray Air Display and the Bray Comedy Festival. Bray is a destination that seamlessly combines natural beauty, historical intrigue, and contemporary entertainment.

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